Jets at Packers: What you need to know
Jets defensive end Carl Lawson rushes the passer against the Giants during the first quarter of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Aug. 28. Credit: Brad Penner
Sunday’s game
JETS (3-2) AT PACKERS (3-2)
LAMBEAU FIELD, 1 p.m.
VITALS
Line: Packers by 7; O/U 45 1/2
TV/RADIO: Fox (Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen) / ESPN-98.7-FM; Sirius 121 or 387 & SXM App
NOTABLE INJURIES
Jets: OUT: DE Jermaine Johnson (ankle); Questionable: Duane Brown (shoulder).
Packers: OUT: LB Tipa Galeai (hamstring), WR Christian Watson (hamstring); Questionable: LB Rashan Gary (toe).
DOMINANT LAWSON
Edge rusher Carl Lawson was a game-wrecker last week with seven QB hits, a sack and forced fumble versus Miami. The Jets could use that type of impact from Lawson against Aaron Rodgers. Lawson looks like he’s all the way back from the ruptured Achilles he suffered rushing Rodgers in a joint practice in Green Bay last summer. Lawson, who got his first career sack on Rodgers, said he has no emotions going back to the scene. He just wants to keep improving.
“I feel like I’m getting better and better each week,” he said. “Just got to keep working, keep my nose down to the grindstone and keep building.”
Lawson has 2.5 sacks, 14 QB hits and 21 pressures this season. His seven QB hits last week were the most by a Jet since 1970.
“It’s ridiculous,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said.
Ulbrich believes with Lawson’s drive, mentality and work ethic, he is capable of great things. “I don’t think this league, I don’t think this organization has seen the best version of him yet,” Ulbrich said. “He’s just going to continue to get better.”
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
* The Jets are the NFL’s No. 1 fourth-quarter scoring team, averaging 11.6 points per game. They’re the worst third-quarter scoring team with field goal in five games.
* Aaron Rodgers has thrown three interceptions through five games, one fewer than all of last season’s MVP campaign.
* The Jets have seven interceptions, matching last year’s total
.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
More Jets
